Do Setbacks Mean I Need More Meds?

[the racha]

So I'm going through probably the worst setback I've had yet. Super exhausted, chills followed by sweats, triggers, you name it. Not fun.

I have an appt. with a new psychiatrist next week, but I was wondering what you all thought: do serious setbacks always mean that I need more ADs? I was doing pretty well, and then began to get overwhelmed with work, personal life, and I guess just being social. Silly me, thinking I was "normal"! :crazy:

Anyway, I could feel the warning signs in my body, but it almost felt like a freight train that I wouldn't be able to stop. I felt I was taking care of myself, but I guess I had to do a whole lot more of that. But I'm worried that this could be an indication that I need more Zoloft (I hope not!).

Has anyone had a similar experience?

racha

 

[kers]

I can't really say, as my AD dosage has remained the same for several years. I would imagine that the dosage would be changed if you were seeing a rise in symptoms regardless of life circumstances, though. That is, if you reduce your stress at work and at home, are you still experiencing the symptom increase?

I definitely see my symptoms rise when I get too busy, increased stress at work, or when I'm getting less rest. When I adjust those things, my symptoms (gradually) subside. My psychiatrist has said, though, that if I experience a change for more than two weeks or so, that might indicate a need to change the dosage.

Which is to say, of course, check with the doc :wink: But I'm sorry you're having it rough right now.

 

[cat]

HI rache

Yep, just had one!

I returned to work 6wks ago which was a challenge after 15mth off but it went ok, I took regular breaks & didn't over do it until after 3 wks I put my 'I'm ok now' attitude on & like you got overwhelmed with work & socialising.The result: very distressing nightmares & flashbacks & a return of hypervigilence & arousal.

I've had several of these setbacks now & they are generally due to me not remembering to look after myself but working through my coping strategies with my psychologist again is usually enough to get me back on the right track & I haven't yet had to increase my anti-d's.

When this started happening I panicked & decided I was never going to move on from it but when it happens now its easier to manage & life settles down again.

Good luck with your new psychiatrist. Stay strong.
Cat

 

[shiraz]

Racha, It sounds like you are in overload :Hug_emoticon:

I guess you have to ask yourself .. what was I like, when I was taking it slower and being more aware? Was I alright on my prescription then?

I personally have opted not to take meds right now .... and that means that I have to be really conscious of how much I do. Some days I feel great and think I can take on the world ..and when I do, I always have a melt down. I am learning to keep constant and am learning where my limit is. Unfortunately, this means doing less and that can be really difficult, especially when i feel strong and optimistic.

On meds or off i have to be aware of my potential to overdo it, I owe that to myself and to the people in my life.

If you would rather not increase your meds, then don't ... this crazy time will pass and you can regain ground, even if it is slow, just give yourself some space and permission to slow down and recover.

We live and learn and grow .. sometimes the hard way :wall:

Take Care

Shiraz

 

[the racha]

Thanks, everyone. Everything you are saying makes really good sense. In a weird way, I am relieved that this has happened-- it is my first real setback since starting work-- because now I can more easily identify how I got here and try to prevent it in the future.

It is so difficult to know my own limits when it comes to work. Also, looks like I'm going to have to break one of my favorite work habits: procrastination! I am used to a very extreme, deadline-oriented work environment (gee... maybe that helped to get me where I am now?) and as a result emulate that at my job now.

Thanks all for your support; this is such a horrible disorder, it is great to know that I have a place to turn when times are good and when times are bad.

racha

 

[2quilt]

If you think that you need to increase the meds, because you know your body better than anyone else, maybe you really do need to increase them.

Is it possible that you had a drug interaction or something that made the ADs you already take not get digested and absorbed for a few days?

Trust your instincts.

 

[Keenbean]

Hey Racha.

I suppose it depends on whether you feel able to cope with your increase in symptoms, or whether you feel able to hang in there a little bit longer to see whether they will die down again on their own. If you can identify a particular trigger (and it sounds like you have) then perhaps you can change something in your environment or your circumstances which might reduce your symptoms again without having to resort to medication.

Personally I tend to think of medication/an increase in medication as a last resort and prefer to stick it out as long as I can until I feel that there is no other option. My own medication was increased last week after a bad patch but it makes me feel so sedated that I am like a zombie until midday, which isn't very helpful. So I guess it's a balancing act really- one that's difficult to get just right. Best thing is probably to speak to your doctor and see what he/she thinks...hope you're feeling better soon.

Best wishes, KB